LET THE GROWING MEDIA dry down knocked over, you will have the water

about 1/2 of the depth of the grow pot

between waterings. Then water well but spilled out on your floor or furniture. I
do not allow your bromeliads to stand in avoid doing this and prefer to water the
water. These plants have a minimal root potting mix only. You, of course, should
system so don't over water. In sun or make your own decision based on your
bright light, you can water into the vase
and allow to run over into the potting plant's light and location.
mix.
INTERIOR LANDSCAPERS USEthese
Other Notes on Care of unique plants to add color to an interior
Aechmea
design. Their secret to keeping them
looking great is that they are replaced
WATERING IN THE "VASE" of the plant
Aechmea Fasciata is okay in good, bright light situations. If
on a regular schedule.
your light is not very good you may find
ONCE MATURE AND IN BLOOM,
AFTER BLOOMING, this harmful to the plant. Problems with
BROMELIADS WILL BEGIN TO FADE
AECHMEA bromeliad will do well gnats, mosquitos and rot can occur. In
AND DIE after a certain amount of time.
with bright, diffused lighting and even nature, rain falls into the center of the
This really depends on the care they
some sun. Temperatures should be plant, remaining there until it
receive, the light and how far into their
between 50° and 85°F with some evaporates. Insects and organic matter
bloom stage they were when they were
humidity being provided. You can set fall in and are trapped in the vase. As
acquired. So if you have one of these
on a humidity tray, place in a naturally they decompose, they feed the
plants, don't be upset if it starts to die
humid room or group with other plants Aechmea through the foliage. This
after you have had it for awhile as this is
to help increase humidity levels. process will most likely not be occuring
natural. I have had some stay in good
in your home!
W a t e r i n g Ae c h m e a B r o m e l i a d bloom for 6-9 months and some only
Plants last 2-3 months.
ALSO, AECHMEAS IN BLOOM tend to
be very top heavy. If your plant gets
 Billbergia range in size from 8 inches the most colorful when there is a 10-
tall to 36 inches tall depending on the 15 degree temperature drop at night.
species. Smaller species will grow well Billbergia also thrive when there is
in a small 4 inch pot. Larger species plenty of air circulation around them.
will grow in a pot up to 6 Again, this makes them a good choice
inches. Billbergia are prolific for landscaping. Having fresh air helps
producers of pups or offshoots. These the plants avoid fungal infections and
pups can be repotted or allowed to pests.
clump. If you choose to let the pups
clump, you should start with a slightly Water and Humidity
larger container. Six inches should be -Billbergia
about enough. Billbergia do not require much water,
but they do like high humidity. The
Temperature potting medium should feel dry when
Billbergia will tolerate a wider range touched between each watering. You
of temperature than many other can also add water to the central tank.
bromeliads. This makes them an ideal Use distilled water or rain water to
choice for outdoor landscapes in avoid mineral buildup on the leaves.
climates that don’t regularly The tanks should also be regularly
experience hard frosts. Billbergiacan flushed and rinsed to avoid stagnate
Billbergia withstand temperatures down to 26 water. Stagnate water can result in
degrees for short periods of time. The pests and disease.
plant will tolerate even colder If your plant is growing indoors and
Billbergia can be planted in small pots
temperatures but may sustain some there is not enough humidity, you can
with well draining, slightly acidic soil.
damage. Temperatures that soar into place a tray of marbles with a bit of
Bromeliad Society/Houston suggests
100 degrees or more may cause the water in it underneath the container
using a mixture of vermiculite, perlite
plant to loose color, but the plant will holding the plant. This should slightly
and Canadian peat for growing
usually recover in more moderate raise the relative humidity around
potted Billbergia. Alternatively, the
temperatures. Bromeliad the Billbergia. Make sure the potting
plants can be mounted on a substrate
Society/Houston inform that medium is not allowed to soak up any
such as driftwood.
bromeliads will grow the best and be of the water.
 also have fewer leaves than many
Fertilizer other genera of bromeliad.
It is best not to fertilize Billbergia. Too Most Billbergia leaves also have
much fertilizer may cause the leaves spikes around the margins. The foliage
to turn green instead of having comes in many different colors and
colorful variegation. Fertilizer that is variegations.
strong in nitrogen will also encourage Billbergia flowers are particularly
the plant to grow without producing a showy, though not as long lived as
flower. many other genera of bromeliad. They
are usually found on a flower stalk
Shape and Form that emerges from the central tank.
Billbergia come in many shapes, sizes The stalk or scape either stands
and colors. Their leaves either stand upright our droops in a pendant form.
up to create a sort of tube shape or The inflorescence and flowers come in
spread outward to make a central cup many different colors from reds and
with their rosette. Billbergia often pinks to purples and blues.
  Water: In the spring and summer,  ‘Black Mystic‘, also known as
water as often as needed to keep ‘Black Magic‘, has leaves mottled
the roots lightly moist. In the fall with irregular zebra-like dark
and winter, water less often, but bands. A unique earth star, C.
do not allow the roots to dry out sinuosus ‘Cascade‘, produces
completely. pups on long stolons, reminiscent
 Soil: Regular potting soil of a spider plant.
amended with one-third part peat  Display Tips: Young plants
moss, or use orchid potting soil. make good additions to
 Repotting: Repot every 2 to 3 terrariums. Older plants grown in
years in the spring, handling the pots are ideal for low windowsills,
plant gently to avoid injuring its where they can easily be viewed
Cryptanthus acaulis sparse, shallow roots. This plant from above.
does well in a broad container.
This article provides information on the  Longevity: Up to 10 years or
specific growing guidelines for indefinitely when propagated
Cryptanthus acaulis and hybrid from offsets.
bromeliads.  Propagation: Cut away pups and
repot them when they are half the
 Light: Bright light from an east or size of the parent plant. Keep
west window. newly potted pups in a warm
 Temperature: Warm (60-80 place, enclosed in a loose plastic
degrees F/16-27 degrees C) bag for a month to increase
year-round. humidity.
 Fertilizer: In spring and summer,  Selections: Some earth stars
spray laves monthly with a feature all-green leaves, while
houseplant fertilizer mixed at half others have red, pink, and green
the normal strength. In the fall longitudinal stripes. ‘Areltey‘ is
and winter, feed every other quite pink, with gray-green stripes
month. down the center of each leaf.
Dyckia forsterana Propagation
Some Dyckias produce pups or offsets
Similar to Succulents which is common among bromeliads.
Dyckias are often confused with Other species don’t produce pups, but
succulents because they look and play divide at the head. When planted in the
the part. They have stiff leathery leaves ground, Dyckias can make thick ground
and are very drought tolerant, but unlike cover. When grown in a pot, Dyckias will
true succulents they cannot store their eventually need to be separated and
own water internally. They simply replanted. Remove pups when they are
respond to periods of stress, such as dry at least half the size of the mother plant.
weather conditions, by going dormant. Dyckia pups grow new roots very slowly.
Form You can use a rooting hormone to
Dyckia hybrid encourage growth. Use a small pot until
Dyckias typically have long narrow
leaves. Almost all Dyckias have sharp the roots are established and then repot
Unlike most other bromeliads, Dyckias in a larger container. You can employ a
spines or hooks around the margins of
can flower seasonally. Bromeliads are small saw to separate plants that have
each leaf. Dyckias can be found in
typically known for producing only one divided at the head. This is very difficult
shades of red, green, yellow and silver.
flower and then dying. Before they die to accomplish without damaging one or
Many of the plants appear to have a
they produce pups. Dyckias will continue both of the plants. Take care and time to
beautiful silver flocking on the spines and
to grow after they flower and even have separate the plants with as many of the
edges of the leaf. The leaves form a tight
the ability to flower again. A Dyckia roots intact as possible.
rosette that often curves down around
planted from seed can take up to three Even if you don’t want to separate your
itself, and they can drape beautifully over
years to reach maturity and bloom. Since plants it is wise to repot them after two or
the sides of containers. They range in
Dyckias can continue living as long as three years. By this time the nutrients in
size from just a few inches across to
they are well cared for, it is important to the potting mix will be depleted. Carefully
several feet wide. Many of the plants
pay close attention to their container and remove the plant. Then dump out any
within the genus have tall flower spikes
potting medium. remaining potting mix. Clean the
that tower above the foliage. The flower
Potting container well and rinse it well. Then
spikes often produce only very small
The majority of bromeliads have very place a new, well draining potting mix in
flowers in oranges, reds and yellows.
small root systems in which a small pot the container and situate the plant back
can house a full grown plant. In most in the container. The Bromeliad
cases, the bromeliad roots act only as Society/Houston recommends using a
anchors and not a primary source of potting mix heavy in organic matter and
nutrients. Dyckias, on the other hand, includes water retaining polymers. Small
have extensive root systems and require rocks and pebbles make an excellent top
containers that are at least as large as dressing. Always use gloves and wear
the plant itself. Dyckias will usually grow long sleeve shirts when handling sharp
into the size of the pot where it is planted. Dyckias.
Water tight rosette with leaves that drape expression of the vast family of
Dyckias can survive drought conditions downward. The plant can grow up to 8 bromeliads.
but do not thrive in them. During the inches wide.
growing season – spring and summer – Dyckia ‘Cherry Coke’ has glossy leaves.
they require plenty of water. When they Its name is suitable because the leaves
become too dry they will first stop are the color of Cherry Coke. The plant
growing and then wilt. They recover can grow very large with leaves up to 2
quickly once watered. Use fertilizer to feet in length and displays a 4 foot upright
encourage growth during the spring and flower stalk. The plant also pups well.
summer. Stop fertilizing and allow the Dyckia delicata comes in various forms.
plant to dry more between waterings Leaf colors include green, red and silver
during the winter. depending on the form of the plant. All
forms appear to be beautifully flocked
Sunlight with silver. Native to higher altitudes in
southern Brazil, these plants are well
-Dyckias Need Plenty of Sun suited to cooler winter weather. It is a
Dyckias enjoy full sun. They can also beautifully shaped plant with a tight rosette
tolerate lower light levels, but it may draping downward.
change the color of the leaves. The  Dyckia brevifolia has short, wide
Bromeliad Society/Houston suggests green leaves with very small spines
5000 foot-candles for best results when around the margins. While drought
growing a Dyckia. tolerant, these plants can also survive
Varieties chilly and wet weather. They grow
There are many popular varieties of about 8 inches wide and have a
Dyckias for beginner growers, as well as beautiful small yellow flower which
rare species that will entice bromeliad grows on a flower stalk.
enthusiasts. Prices range from $10 All Shapes and Sizes
dollars to $155 for the most rare species.
Dyckia ‘Arizona’ is a popular cultivar that
has narrow burgundy leaves with white Dyckias come in all shapes and sizes.
spines. The rosette forms a beautiful star They share in common their love for sun
shape. The cultivar is particularly and tolerance for drought. They do not
adapted to arid climates. require the moist, humid conditions that
Dyckia ‘Naked Lady’ is a cultivar that is so many other bromeliads do. They are
spineless. It has light green to yellow long-living and beautiful in form and
leaves. This plant can grow over 12 color. These plants are an excellent
inches tall. addition to a mild climate landscape or a
Dyckia fosteriana has beautiful silvery bromeliad enthusiast’s rare collection.
white leaves with many spines. It forms a Dyckias are another enjoyable
Guzmania orangeade 18-24 in. (45-60 cm) 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Spacing: 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm) Patent Information:
15-18 in. (38-45 cm) Propagation Methods:
Hardiness: By dividing rhizomes, tubers,
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F) corms or bulbs (including offsets)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) Seed Collecting:
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 N/A: plant does not set seed,
°F) flowers are sterile, or plants will
Sun Exposure: not come true from seed
Light Shade
Partial to Full Shade
Danger:
Bloom Color:
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time:
Bloom Characteristics: Mid Summer
This plant is attractive to bees, Late Summer/Early Fall
butterflies and/or birds Mid Fall
Water Requirements: Foliage:
Average Water Needs; Water Grown for foliage
regularly; do not overwater Evergreen
Where to Grow: Smooth-Textured
Suitable for growing in containers Provides winter interest
This plant is suitable for growing Other details:
indoors Soil pH requirements:
Height: 5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
Neoreglia spectabilis  Fertilizer: Feed monthly with most of which have cream
a high-phosphorous (low- stripes in their leaves.
nitrogen) fertilizer mixed at ‘Martin’ is quite vigorous, as
half the normal strength. is the slightly small
Feed the leaves, roots, and ‘Compacta.’
reservoir.  Display Tips: Because of its
 Water: Keep roots lightly large, spreading shape, this
moist, and replenish water in bromeliad needs plenty of
reservoir every 10 days, or space. It is at its best when
more often in summer. This viewed from above.
bromeliad grows best in high
humidity, above 50 percent.
 Soil: Potting soil amended
with one-third part peat
moss, or African violet soil.
 Repotting: Repot annually
in spring until plant fills a 5 in
 Light: Bright light with a half (12.5 cm) pot.
day of direct sun year-round.  Longevity: Individual plants
Responds well to being live 3 to 4 years.
grown in a sunny yet humid  Propagation: Wait until the
place outdoors in the parent plant dies to pot up
summer. offsets, which often have
 Temperature: Average to very skimpy roots. Keeping
warm room temperatures newly potted offsets in a
(65-80 degrees F 18-27 warm, humid enclosure,
degrees C), with no chilling such as a roomy plastic bag,
below 50 degrees F (10 speeds the rooting process.
degrees C).  Selections: There are
numerous named varieties,
Nidularium and reward growers with good
formations and regular flowering.

As these plants naturally grow in filtered

light they are excellent for use indoors.
They add a tropical look to shaded
outdoor areas as well. They are an
excellent plant to grow beneath
established trees as they do like the
shade provided.
Nidulariums are medium-sized plants
with inflorescences forming low in the
center of the rosettes. At flowering time o Free draining potting mix.
the collaret of shortened inner leaves o Keep the centres filled with water.
turns brilliant red, rose or cerise, o Do not use high nitrogen fertiliser.
depending on the species. The flowers o Very little fertilizer is required.
are red, white or blue and the leaves are
usually glossy and finely spined.

In some varieties the inflorescence rises

above the plant and creates a striking
picture. Nidularium seidelii is such a
plant, the inflorescence rising
approximately 30 cm above the
flattened foliage, with bracts forming
large yellow-green boat like shapes atop
each other. The inflorescence can last
several months. Nidulariums are hardy
Tillandsia can be used to create a nest for air
plants. Grow pink quill in orchid
This article provides information on the soil.
specific growing guidelines for Tillandsia  Repotting: Reposition as needed to
species and hybrid bromeliads. accommodate new growth; usually
only every 2 to 3 years.
 Light: Bright light from an east or  Longevity: Individual plants live 5
west window, with some direct sun or more years.
in the winter but not in the summer.  Propagation: Detach Offsets when
 Temperature: In the spring, they are one-third the size of the
summer, and early fall, these plants parent plant. Small holes drilled in
love the warm (to 80 degrees F or 27 an old piece of untreated wood make
degrees C). In the winter, a cool rest a good temporary home for theses
in the 60 degrees F (16 degrees C) babies.
range.  Selections: Pink quill can be grown
 Fertilizer: In the spring and summer, as an individual specimen in a pot.
feed plants every 2 weeks by Most other air plants are sold by
spraying them with a high- common name, or may be labeled as
phosphorous fertilizer, mixed at half T. ionantha. Spanish moss is
the normal strength. Plants take up T.usneoides.
the nutrients with their leaf scales. In  Display Tips: Use a rasp to create
the fall and winter, no feeding is crevices or depressions in a nicely
needed. figured knot of wood and install
 Water: Spray plants with water three air plants to create a tree
twice weekly, until they are garden.
thoroughly wet. The applied water
should dry within 4 hours. Do not
soak the base of the plants.
 Soil: None needed for most
selections. A bit of sphagnum moss
Vriesea carinata vriesea carinata – lobster claw
vriesea carinata is commonly known
as lobster claw or painted feather. this
bromeliad has branching flower spikes.
there are a lot of varieties available, in a
range of colours from yellow to orange,
red, violett or pink.
CARE
the lobster claw (vriesea carinata) is
suitable for bright to light shaded places
with some morning and/or evening sun.
there are special mixes for bromeliads
available. but it can also be grown in a
mix of regular potting soil and orchid
bark (1:1) or in pure orchid soil.
keep it constantly moist but not wet, the
drying of the soil’s surface will be
tolerated, but it shouldn’t d dry
completely. sitting in water can cause
rotten roots. its reservoir should always
contain some water.
in spring and summer a half diluted
water soluble fertilizer can be given
monthly and every six to eight weeks in
fall and winter.
vriesea carinata welcomes a high
humidity and likes to be sprayed over
with water regularly. it needs room
temperature throughout the year with a
winter minimum of 15 °c/59 °f.
PROPAGATION
after flowering the lobster claw produces
a new pup. if it has reached approx. 2/3
of the mother plants height it can be
cutted of.